The article entitled “Short-root anomaly in an orthodontic patient” (Marques LS, Generoso R, Armond MC, Pazzini CA. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;138:346-8) was well written but raises certain questions.

How did the authors manage to advance the mandible despite inadequate overjet as it appears in the photographs? The functional appliance appears to have opened the bite without any mandibular advancement, but the authors obtained good intercuspation at the end of treatment. We appreciate the authors for having finished the case well despite the constraints in the form of root shortening.

The article shows us the importance of a proper pretreatment radiographic examination, particularly periapical radiographs of the incisors, which have a higher predilection for the short-root anomaly as well as external resorption. It also illustrates the importance of the application of judicious orthodontic forces if such conditions are noticed.